What is Laureth-12 and how does it compare to lower Laureth grades?
Laureth-12 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate averaging 12 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 3056-00-6, C36H74O13, MW 715.0). With this many EO units it is a high-HLB, water-soluble grade, in contrast to the oil-soluble low-EO grades (Laureth-2 to 4); it is used where a hydrophilic emulsifier or solubilizer is needed. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
LAURETH-7- ▸ Emulsifier: oil-in-water emulsifier for cleaners and personal care
- ▸ Solubilizer: solubilizing agent for oils and fragrances in aqueous systems
- ▸ Detergent: nonionic surfactant for liquid cleaning formulations
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | Mol. formula | Mol. wt (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laureth-2 | 2 | 3055-93-4 | C16H34O3 | 274.44 |
| Laureth-3 | 3 | 68551-12-2 | — | — |
| Laureth-4 | 4 | 5274-68-0 | C20H42O5 | 362.5 |
| Laureth-7 | 7 | 9002-92-0 | — | — |
| Laureth-12 you are here | 12 | 3056-00-6 | C36H74O13 | 715.0 |
| Laureth-23 | 23 | 9002-92-0 | — | — |
How to choose: All grades are nonionic surfactants built on the same C12 (lauryl) alcohol, differing only in the average moles of ethylene oxide (EO). More EO raises the hydrophilic fraction, so HLB and water-solubility increase with the grade number: low-EO grades (2–4) are oil-soluble emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers; high-EO grades (12–23) are water-soluble solubilizers and O/W emulsifiers.
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A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Laureth-12 (CAS 3055-97-8) is a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of twelve ethylene oxide units, a water-soluble nonionic surfactant. It is used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and detergent in cleaning and personal-care formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for laureth?
Laureth is the INCI name for a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate, also called PEG-12 lauryl ether for Laureth-12. The number indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units per molecule, twelve in this case.
What is Laureth-12 used for?
Laureth-12 is a water-soluble nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and detergent. It emulsifies oils in water and solubilizes oils and fragrances in aqueous cleaning and personal-care formulations.
Is Laureth-12 water soluble?
Yes. With an average of twelve ethylene oxide units, Laureth-12 is a hydrophilic, water-soluble nonionic surfactant, in contrast to lower-EO grades such as Laureth-2 or Laureth-4 that are oil-soluble.
What is the CAS number and formula for Laureth-12?
Laureth-12 has CAS number 3055-97-8 and the representative molecular formula C26H54O8. It classifies under HS code 3402.42 as a non-ionic organic surface-active agent.
How do I order bulk Laureth-12?
RawSource supplies Laureth-12 in drum, tote, and IBC quantities with a CoA and SDS on every shipment. Submit an RFQ with your volume and packaging needs for a current bulk quote.